Need help, new build

[solid3tate]

Hello all,

So recently I built my computer. It works fine for mostly everything, but whenever I try to play any games like Crysis or Team Fortress 2, they will work for around 15 to 20 minutes and then my computer suddenly restarts. No BSOD or anything, just a black screen and then restart. I am thinking it is either the PSU or the GPU.

Config-
Q9450 Intel Quad Core 2.66 Ghz
P5Q-E ASUS Mobo
OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB
Gigabyte HD 4870
640GB WD 7200 RPM
300GB Seagate 7200 RPM

I have installed the latest Catalyst 8.7 drivers and have updated the BIOS too but no difference. I thought maybe my card was overheating and changed the fan speed to 55% and it still crashes.

Now, I used my older power supply, a Fortran Bluestorm 500W. So I am thinking maybe that is the problem, but I am not sure at all.

Could it be some other component? Any suggestions or thoughts are welcome.

 

[DarkRogue]

How are your CPU temps?
I don't think you've overclocked, if 2.66GHz is default, so that probably isn't it.
Has it restarted since you swapped out power supplies?

 

[solid3tate]

No I haven't overclocked. The CPU runs fine, I think mid 40s.

Sorry, I wasn't clear, The Fortran 500W is my primary one. I used to have it in my older PC and thought it would get the job done for this build too, so I haven't bought a new one.
I want to make sure if the problem is because of the PSU or not before buying a new one.

 

[solid3tate]

Another thing, the HD 4870 requires 2 6-pin connectors, this PSU has only one, so for the second one I used one of those 2x4-pin to 1x6-pin converter.
Here are the specs for the PSU- http://www.silentpcreview.com/article212-page1.html

 

[DarkRogue]

That's strange..
Is the video card overclocked? Is anything, for that matter, or are you running everything at stock?

 

[solid3tate]

Nope, everything is running at stock. The computer only crashes while gaming and only after like 10 to 20 minutes of gameplay. Otherwise I do stuff like extracting, downloading, watching movies etc. and the computer is very stable. Do you think that PSU is sufficient to run the HD4870? I think I read somewhere that HD4870 needs around 18A @ 12V, but as shown in the link above my PSU outputs a maximum of 15A @ 12V, so that's why I was thinking it may be the PSU.
Or do you think the graphics card itself can be faulty?

 

[Mr Fox]

Originally posted by: solid3tate
Nope, everything is running at stock. The computer only crashes while gaming and only after like 10 to 20 minutes of gameplay. Otherwise I do stuff like extracting, downloading, watching movies etc. and the computer is very stable. Do you think that PSU is sufficient to run the HD4870? I think I read somewhere that HD4870 needs around 18A @ 12V, but as shown in the link above my PSU outputs a maximum of 15A @ 12V, so that's why I was thinking it may be the PSU.
Or do you think the graphics card itself can be faulty?

Your PSU provides 285 watts@12v 285/12 = 23.75 amps.

The ATI 4870 Uses 170 or so Watts 170/12 =14.17 Amps.
....
The CPU you have uses 110 watts or so. 110/12 = 9.16 amps.


It is an older ATX12V 1.1 Supply, it was a good unit in it's day...


Yes you Need a New ATX 2.2/EPS supply.


a good 550 watt will do the Job, but make sure that it is Heavy on the 12V rail.

Corsair, and Silverstone are Good units, As is the Newer BFG's .

 

[DarkRogue]

Ah, yeah I missed that - good catch.

For a comparison, my 380W PSU has a higher 12v rail rating than your PSU (324W or 27A) so I'd echo the need for a newer PSU with a higher 12v rail rating.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: Mr Fox
It is an older ATX12V 1.1 Supply, it was a good unit in it's day...

According to the review he posted from SPCR, it's ATX v2.0.

Either way, it's a PSU that's getting ready to be put out to pasture.

 

[MichaelD]

Mr Fox hit it. That PS isn't up to the task. Get yourself a nice 600 watt PS and you'll be good.

 

[solid3tate]

How about I underclock my ATI 4870 and see if the computer becomes more stable? Is that recommended? Also I am not sure how much to underclock it, any ideas? I just want to make sure its the PSU before ordering a new one.

Anyway, I am looking at this Corsair, does it look alright? - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139005

Thanks for all your help so far guys!

 

[DSF]

Yeah the Corsair's fine.

 

[solid3tate]

Just to give you guys an update, so I got the new PSU and installed it and everything ran fine, no restarting during gaming while playing Crysis, TF2 etc. Thanks again for your help people!